B-2 Use Portable Power Tools
Power tools are an important part of the pipe trade. They allow plumbers to cut, drill, thread, shape, and assemble materials safely and efficiently. However, improper use of power tools can lead to serious injuries and damage to equipment or materials. Safe work practices, proper tool selection, regular inspection, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential. In this section, you will learn to describe portable and stationary power tools used in the pipe trade and demonstrate how to use them safely and correctly. Developing these skills will help you work confidently, efficiently, and responsibly on the job.
After completing this section, you should be able to:
- Describe portable power tools used in the pipe trades.
- Use portable power tools.
- Describe stationary power tools used in the pipe trades.
- Use stationary power tools
You will be required to reference publications and videos available online at WorkSafeBC.
Supplementary Video Series: Trades Access Common Core — Tools and Equipment
To support your learning in this section, you may find the following video series helpful.
These short instructional videos were developed by Camosun College and shared through BCcampus as part of the Trades Access Common Core learning resources. Playlist Details – Trades Access Common Core Line C: Tools and Equipment Videos – BCcampus
The following terms will be used throughout this section. A complete list of terms for this section can be found in the Glossary.
- abrasive cut-off wheel: A circular cutting wheel made of abrasive material that grinds through metal or other hard materials instead of cutting with teeth. It is commonly used on power saws or grinders to cut metal. (Section B-2.1)
- angle drill: A power drill designed with the chuck set at a right angle to the motor so holes can be drilled in tight or hard-to-reach spaces. (Section B-2.1)
- angle grinders: Portable power tools that use a rotating grinding wheel or disk to grind, cut, smooth, or polish metal and other materials. (Section B-2.1)
- auger bit: A drill bit with a spiral shape and a pointed tip used for drilling deep, clean holes in wood. (Section B-2.1)
- carbide-tipped drill bits: Drill bits with tips made of carbide, a very hard material that helps the bit stay sharp and drill through tough materials like masonry or hardened metal. (Section B-2.1)
- countersink bit: A drill bit used to widen the top of a hole so the head of a screw can sit flush with or below the surface of the material. (Section B-2.1)
- snake (drain auger): A flexible tool used to clear blockages in pipes and drains. It is pushed into the pipe and rotated to break up or pull out the material causing the clog. (Section B-2.1)
- grinding wheel (or disk): A round wheel made of abrasive material used to grind, shape, smooth, or sharpen metal and other materials. (Section B-2.1)
- hammer drill (roto-hammer): A power drill that combines rotating motion with a hammering action to drill into hard materials like concrete or masonry. (Section B-2.1)
- hot tapping: A method used to cut into a pipe while it is still in service and under pressure, allowing a new connection to be added without shutting off the flow inside the pipe. (Section B-2.1)
- mechanical bending: A process that uses a machine or tool to permanently bend pipe or tubing into a desired shape without cutting it. (Section B-2.3)
- nipple: A short piece of pipe, usually threaded on both ends, used to connect two fittings or sections of pipe. (Section B-2.4)
- portable: A tool or piece of equipment that is easy to carry and move from one place to another and may be cordless or use a rechargeable battery. (Section B-2.1)
- portable band saw: A handheld power saw that uses a continuous loop blade to cut metal, pipe, or other materials. (Section B-2.1)
- power cut-off saw: A power tool that uses a rotating abrasive wheel or blade to cut metal, pipe, or other materials. (Section B-2.1)
- reaming: The process of smoothing and slightly enlarging the inside of a hole or pipe to remove rough edges and improve fit. (Section B-2.4)
- reciprocating saw: A power saw with a blade that moves back and forth quickly to cut through wood, metal, plastic, or pipe. (Section B-2.1)
- sabre saw (jigsaw): A handheld power saw with a narrow blade that moves up and down to cut curves or shapes in wood, metal, or plastic. (Section B-2.1)
- spade bit: A flat drill bit with a pointed tip used to drill larger holes in wood. (Section B-2.1)
- three-jawed chuck: A clamping device on a drill that uses three jaws to hold a drill bit or other tool securely in place while it spins. The jaws tighten or loosen together to keep the bit centered. (Section B-2.1)
- twist drills (drill bits): Common drill bits with spiral grooves that remove material as the bit drills into wood, metal, or plastic. (Section B-2.1)
- wavy set: A band-saw tooth pattern where small groups of teeth are bent slightly in alternating directions to make smooth cuts in thin materials. (Section B-2.1)
